A review by em_thebookish_girl
Something Wilder by Christina Lauren

adventurous challenging emotional funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

My first Christina Lauren book and it most certainly won't be the last! I'm officially obsessed with their work! Until I read this book, I had no idea that Christina Lauren is an author duo. Although Something Wilder is a second chance romance, it's not your typical romance novel. It has a twist of adventure and treasure hunting, ranch girl/city boy and close proximity romance. Personally, sometimes I find it difficult to read from a third person's POV. However, reading this book, I didn't really notice it at all; I found it enjoyable to read. This book provided the escapism that I desperately needed. 

The side characters though! I couldn't stop myself; some scenes were so, so funny! And when I reached a certain chapter, I was stunned by the turn of events! Some chapters were action-packed, and I felt an adrenaline rush when I read them; it kept me on edge. Personally, I would love to see Something Wilder adapted into a movie. Lily and Leo are similar and so different at the same time, they are perfect for each other. Neither of them couldn't commit to a serious relationship; it is hard to forget about your first and only love. For most of her life, Lily had a strained relationship with her father. And it was great to see Lily making peace with her past and father.  Leo is such a sweetheart! He made his intentions to Lily clear: he wasn't going to make the same mistake twice; he wasn't going to leave Lily. 

I don't want to give too many spoilers away. Lily is a tour guide; using her father's map (a well-known treasure hunter and archaeologist), with her best friend Nicole (as her only employee, she organizes "fake" treasure hunts. Leo is living a hectic life in Manhattan, New York; he's basically a workaholic. With his friends, they went on a quick getaway. And when they arrive at their destination, Leo is shocked to see a ghost from his past: Lily. A decade ago, Lily and Leo met at Lily's father's ranch: "The Wilder Ranch". Their relationship wasn't a "summer/holiday fling" Lily and Leo had hopes and dreams for their future, wanting to build a life together. However, life doesn't always go to plan.